Safari Equipment Company Has Several Divisions That Are Investment Centers

Multiple Choice

Safari Equipment Company has several divisions that are investment centers. Data for the Boat Division and the Trailer Division are shown here: $$\begin{array} { | l | r | r | } \hline & \text { Boat Division } & \text { Trailer Division } \\\hline \text { Operating income } & \$ 80,000 & \$ 50,000 \\\hline \text { Total assets at Jan. 1 } & \$ 680,000 & \$ 215,000 \\\hline \text { Total assets at Dec .31 } & \$ 780,000 & \$ 200,000 \\\hline\end{array}$$ Which of the following statements would be the most meaningful interpretation of this data?

A) The Boat Division's performance is better than that of the Trailer Division because it has higher assets.
B) The Boat Division uses its assets less efficiently than the Trailer Division does because it has a lower return on investment.
C) The Boat Division shows a more efficient use of assets than the Trailer Division because it has a higher operating income.
D) The Boat Division is financially more successful than the Trailer Division because it shows an increase in assets.